Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet
Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan dinner combining savory chicken sausage, tender penne or rigatoni pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce with fresh greens. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup and customizable options to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free with gluten-free pasta
Protein
- Chicken sausage, sliced (about 12 oz or 340 g)
Pasta & Grains
- Penne or rigatoni pasta, uncooked (12 oz or 340 g)
Oils & Fats
Aromatics
- Garlic, 3 cloves, finely chopped
- Onion, 1 medium, finely chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups (about 350 ml)
- Chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups (about 350 ml)
Vegetables & Greens
- Fresh spinach or kale, 2 cups packed (about 60 g)
Cheese & Dairy
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, 1/2 cup (about 50 g)
Spices & Optional
- Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the garlic and onion for an even sauté.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook them until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed, then add the chopped garlic and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce followed by the chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook the Pasta in the Skillet: Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Finish with Greens and Sausage: Stir in fresh spinach or kale along with the browned chicken sausage. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the sausage is heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Notes
- Use quality sausage with herbs or spices you enjoy for enhanced flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; check early as it will continue cooking after adding other ingredients.
- Brown the sausage well and sauté aromatics properly to build deep flavors.
- Keep stirring during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and drying out.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme at the end for a bright, fresh note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Chicken sausage pasta, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, skillet meal, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, family-friendly pasta, chicken sausage recipe